What do you think are the major challenges for van drivers at the moment?
We conducted an annual survey of 1,000 van drivers to get a temperature check on the challenges facing UK van drivers, and it reveals a very difficult landscape – with as many as 90% of respondents experiencing work-related stress in the past 12 months.
Our research highlights there’s a growing mental health crisis among van drivers, driven by financial pressures and a difficult work life balance. Over one-third (36%) cite the cost of living as a major concern, leading to working longer hours and travelling greater distances for jobs.
At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we’re committed to keeping our customers on the road. Being able to focus on running their business is never easy and that’s why we offer a range of services, including comprehensive roadside assistance, fixed-cost maintenance, tailored servicing plans and more.
This includes our enhanced warranty and service plan, the 5+ Promise, which comprises five services, three MOTs, a five-year Warranty and five years’ Roadside Assistance, at no extra cost.
Sustainability is top of the agenda and there are a number of new electric vans joining the market – including the Buzz Cargo and eTransporter. What do they offer?
The ID. Buzz Cargo is a multi-award-winning workhorse, pairing retro styling, outstanding electric range up to 277 miles, and a comprehensive range of options available to suit every customer.
It features a payload volume of 3.9m3, a maximum loading width of 1.7m, height of 1.3m and length of 2.2m, able to accommodate two Euro pallets loaded widthways, and can tow up to 1,000kg.
There’s a number of different powertrain options – 59kWh variant, a 4MOTION all-wheel drive version, and the longer-range 79kWh ID. Buzz Cargo – with prices starting from £35,960.
Similarly, the seventh-generation Transporter is designed to cater for UK buyers with three highly-specified trims (Commerce, Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro), six powertrains (three diesel, two BEV and one plug-in hybrid) and two bodystyles (standard and long wheelbase).
The maximum payload is 1.33 tonnes and able to tow up to 2.8 tonnes, with a maximum stowage volume of 5.8m.
The new Transporter has been designed with professionals in mind, combining both digital displays and controls with robust hard keys. Also included are an array of standard features – such as the latest 13-inch infotainment display – and advanced safety technologies such as Lane Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display.
Electric vehicle uptake is slowing across the market, what is VW doing with partners to get more people driving electric?
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ customers can benefit from up to 30,000 miles of free power for their electric vehicles, with our energy partner, OVO. Customers ordering a company vehicle can also benefit from up to 2,000 free miles when they add Charge Anytime, and up to 1,000 extra free miles every year for up to 3 years.
Customers that buy or lease a fully-electric ID. Buzz, ID. Buzz Cargo, or e-Transporter simply need to add OVO’s Charge Anytime product to their energy tariff, to receive up to 30,000 free miles over a three-year period – 10,000 free miles when they first add Charge Anytime, and up to 10,000 additional miles each year for two years when they stay with Charge Anytime.
This add-on also allows EV customers to benefit from a low and stable at-home charging rate of 7p per kWh, day or night, which can help customers save up to £620 per year.
Your LCV range is growing – what makes these vehicles so popular?
First and foremost, our vehicles are built on heritage. Our new California is an icon of freedom, with a model in the range to suit any adventure. Released in the summer of 2024, new California is the first to come available as a plug-in hybrid variant and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. It is always ready for adventure, with a pop-up roof, sleeping space for four, two sliding doors and a new three-zone concept with a redesigned kitchen.
The ID. Buzz takes inspiration from the iconic T1, and reimagines it for the electric age and larger families. It can have space for up to 7 occupants or can be reconfigured to increase the luggage compartment volume to 2,469 litres.
The larger 86kWh battery in the 7-seat model not only increases range to 291 miles, it is also capable of accepting rapid DC charging at up to 200kW – allowing it to be charged from 10-80% in just 26 minutes.
John Ricardo-Neto
Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
